🔗 Share this article

The phase for before the Ashes talk and selection guesses is practically over after Australia announced a 15-man lineup to take on the English side in the first Test. The larger lineup for the initial game suggests the necessity for composed heads during the fiery contest, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new members being two pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a star rating reflecting their possible impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more selected as a substitute following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the other front-line bowlers facing a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to maintain his good form to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm personality off the pitch. But the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without being a force at international cricket and can welcome the rare opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the intense cauldron of an contest hoping to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more confident batsman if required to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side across recent Test series and is returning following claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and hint of swing whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the ongoing question whether he can feature in four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to the team's chances of taking the game against the opposition with his positive approach and tendency to clobber big runs as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the same the last time England toured for a full series point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite calls for a new blood at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being one of many batsmen unable to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against England’s pace attack in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. His blistering form with five centuries in his last eight knocks could give the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second match helped turn the contest when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be critical to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the side till C